Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss key development initiatives, infrastructure projects, and welfare schemes being implemented across Chhattisgarh.
During the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma was also present. Chief Minister Sai briefed the Union Home Minister on the ongoing development work in Bastar and other remote regions of the state, including road construction projects and public welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of citizens.
According to the Chief Minister, Amit Shah appreciated the pace of development and the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and public services in remote areas.
Chhattisgarh Seeks Establishment of All India Institute of Ayurveda
A major focus of the meeting was the proposal to establish an All India Institute of Ayurveda> (AIIA) in Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai urged the central government to consider Chhattisgarh for one of the three new AIIA institutions announced in the Union Budget 2026. He said the institute would play a transformative role in healthcare, education, and research while positioning the state as a national center for Ayurveda.
CM Highlights Success of Existing AIIA Institutions
The Chief Minister noted that the existing All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi and the institute in Panaji are among the country’s leading centers for Ayurvedic medicine.
He emphasized that these institutions successfully combine modern scientific research with traditional Ayurvedic practices, leading to:
- Advanced healthcare services
- High-quality medical education
- Innovative research in Ayurveda
- Development of skilled Ayurvedic doctors and scientists
Chhattisgarh’s Rich Herbal Resources Strengthen Its Case
CM Sai highlighted that Chhattisgarh possesses abundant medicinal plants and rare herbs, particularly in its forest-rich regions.
He said the state’s tribal communities have preserved valuable traditional knowledge related to herbal medicine and indigenous healing practices for generations. Establishing an AIIA in the state would help scientifically document, preserve, and promote this knowledge while encouraging research into medicinal plants.
The proposed institute could become a major hub for Ayurvedic studies and innovation in central India.
Benefits of AIIA for Healthcare, Education and Research
The Chief Minister outlined several advantages that the institute would bring to the state:
Improved Healthcare Services
Residents would gain access to advanced Ayurvedic treatment facilities and specialized healthcare services closer to home.
Opportunities for Students and Researchers
The institute would create opportunities for:
- Higher education in Ayurveda
- Medical training and teaching
- National-level research programs
- Professional development for healthcare practitioners
Regional Benefits Beyond Chhattisgarh
CM Sai emphasized that the benefits would extend beyond Chhattisgarh and serve the wider central Indian region. Citizens from neighboring states would also have access to better treatment, education, and research facilities.
Vision to Make Chhattisgarh a National Ayurveda Hub
The Chief Minister said that establishing an AIIA would accelerate Chhattisgarh’s development and help transform the state into a leading center for Ayurveda, healthcare innovation, and research.
He expressed confidence that the institution would contribute significantly to economic growth, skill development, healthcare accessibility, and the promotion of India’s traditional medical systems.
The meeting between Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Home Minister Amit Shah focused on accelerating development in Chhattisgarh and strengthening public welfare initiatives. The Chief Minister’s proposal for an All India Institute of Ayurveda reflects the state’s ambition to emerge as a major center for Ayurvedic healthcare, education, and research while leveraging its rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge.
